Mishra are a global folk band from the UK gathering international recognition. They draw together roots in UK traditional music with continent-spanning musical textures into joyous and breathtaking performances. Presenting finely crafted songs with stunning vocals and exhilarating instrumentals, Mishra span eclectic moods; from meditative raag inspired improvisations to high-energy celtic dance tunes underpinned by unstoppable percussive grooves. They draw on training in Indian classical, UK folk, contemporary classical, and a distinctive instrumental palette including tabla, banjo, low whistle, santoor, double bass, clarinet and an array of percussion. 

 

Formed by acclaimed folk musicians Kate Griffin and Ford Collier, all members of Mishra met in Sheffield over a shared passion for the creative possibilities of Indian classical music. The spark of inspiration came when Kate and Ford began learning from and exploring music with Mishra's tabla and santoor player John Ball, who shares his 20 years of deep study in Indian classical music through his Indian music ensemble at Sheffield University. Through the ensemble they met jazz double bassist Joss Mann-Hazell and contemporary Western classical clarinettist Alex Lyon, and developed a common musical language for creative collaboration through the rhythms and melodies of Indian music. Despite the band's diverse musical backgrounds, the music they make is fluid and accessible, and always begins from the starting point of Kate and Ford's seamless songwriting partnership.

 

Their genre defying approach to composition has taken them to festivals and venues around the UK including Celtic Connections and Cambridge Folk Festival, won them a prestigious Danny Kyle award, and brought critical acclaim for their two albums ‘Reclaim’ and ‘The Loft Tapes’ including national radio play. In 2024 Kate and Ford embarked on a 2 month duo tour of New Zealand.

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In 2021 Mishra received a commission from arts organisation zerOclassikal to create new music with renowned fusion artist and sufi vocalist Deepa Shakthi, who has worked with artists such as Kuljit Bhamra and toured with Opera North's production of Orpheus. 2023 saw them tour the UK in collaboration with Indian classical/sufi singer Deepa Shakthi with support from Arts Council England, and the Mishra and Deepa collaboration project will release their first album in October 2025